This native erect or inclined tree has deeply furrowed bark (B) and small, yellowish winter buds and twigs (C). The mature leaves are long and narrow, less than 3/4 inches wide and green on both sides (F,G). Male and female flowers are on separate trees. Numerous yellow stamens make up the male catkins, 3-6 per individual flower (D). The female catkins produce seed capsules in May (E). Willows are difficult to identify. The Peachleaf Willow (Salix amygdaloides) has broader green leaves with silvery lower surfaces.
Found along rivers and other wet places, flowering in April and May. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon; several may be seen along the Missouri River at Child’s Hollow and one old tree can be seen at the south end of the Great Marsh (I,J). This tree may be seen in the distance looking south from where Camp Gifford Road crosses the Railroad Tracks; it is one of the first trees to “leaf out”. The emerging leaves and catkins (H) are from that tree, as photographed on the 7th of April 2009.
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